One of the first things an RV enthusiast does when the weather starts to warm up is hit the open road. Who could blame them? Not me! I’m right there with you. While you tend to spend the latter part of winter and the first part of spring getting the inside of your RV ready for your next adventure, it’s time to think about your patio once the weather hits those warmer temperatures.

A huge perk of the RV lifestyle is outdoor living, so your patio pulls double duty. It’s a way to enjoy your surroundings, sure, but it’s also a way to expand your living space to make the most of your time on the road. Check out these ten outdoor patio ideas for a better camping experience to help your next trip become your best trip.

LED Illuminated Patio Mat with Wave Design

LED Illuminated Patio Mat with Wave Design

Everything is evolving these days, and welcome mats are no exception. With the LED Illuminated Patio Mat, you’ll always be able to find your way back home – even in your home away from home. Featuring tight weaving and reinforced stitching, this mat ensures long-lasting durability while the UV-coated polypropylene prevents fading. To illuminate, simply plug it into an RV exterior 100-volt GFCI outlet. Leaving the patio light on just took on a whole new meaning.

Black Lantern Mini Light Set

Black Lantern Mini Light Set

Speaking of lights, is there anything better than a set of string lights strung across a patio? There’s something about the soft glow at night that encourages everyone to relax, and the Black Lantern Mini Light Set will provide a nostalgic feel with its throwback design. There are plugs on both ends for linking multiple strands together, so you can have as much or as little light as you want.

Color-Changing Edison LED Light Set

Color-Changing Edison LED Light Set

If you’re looking for a light source that’s a little bolder, a little more fun, and a little more exciting then check out the Color-Changing Edison LED Light Set. The retro Edison-style bulbs give off a variety of changing colors making for a festive patio space whether you’re having a party or kicking back with your loved one after a long day of adventures. Changing colors? Now that’s a bright idea.

Nothing can ruin a camping trip quite like bugs. While they may serve a great purpose in maintaining nature’s delicate balance, they’re quite annoying when trying to relax at your campsite. To make life more enjoyable, you’ll need to know how to repel bugs when camping. 

These camping tricks to keep bugs away will be especially helpful during the spring, at the height of bug season in most US locations. Here are easy ways to avoid being bugged on your next camping trip. 

How to Keep Bugs Out of Your Campsite

You should first consider reducing the number of bugs you welcome into your campsite. Various bug repellent and pest control solutions can help you keep bugs out of your campsite and avoid itching mosquito bites. 

Bug Sprays

Photo by Camping World

Bug spray is the obvious one. These solutions are meant to be sprayed on clothing, tents, and other camping gear to repel mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other insects. Bug sprays contain different ingredients, such as DEET, picaridin, and lemon eucalyptus. They must be applied and re-applied at recommended intervals. 

Shop bug sprays.

One of the many benefits of RVing is being able to bring along your furry family members. It can be so rewarding watching your dogs experience new places, sights, and sniffs—they’ll love the adventures just as much as you will! 

RVing with dogs doesn’t have to be stressful either, as long as you are prepared, know what to expect, and have planned a dog-friendly road trip. Here are some tips to make your next trip the best trip:

Plan Ahead

Photo: Shutterstock

Research pet-friendly destinations ahead of time. Some campgrounds and RV parks do not allow pets at all, so you’ll want to know this before showing up. It’s also not enough just to verify that they allow dogs, because some have breed and weight restrictions. Check the park’s website or call beforehand to confirm and understand their rules and regulations for pets. It’s also not uncommon for parks to allow pets only on certain sites and/or charge a few extra dollars per day per pet.

Check out the pet-friendly destinations below to plan your next trip:

Dog-Friendly RV Destinations in the NortheastDog-Friendly RV Destinations in the WestDog-Friendly RV Destinations in the SouthDog-Friendly RV Destinations in the Midwest

National Parks

Travelers are often caught by surprise when they discover that many National Parks do not allow dogs on the trails. This is usually to protect the environment of the park and ensure visitors’ safety. Dogs are typically allowed in the park and campgrounds, just not on trails, so you’ll need to plan accordingly when you head out for a hike or bike ride. It’s important to brush up on any national park pet restrictions before visiting to ensure your visit is smooth and easy once you and your furry friends have arrived.

Leaf springs, greased bolts, equalizers, chucking, axle hangers, and more. What is RV suspension, and what exactly does it do? Not understanding suspension can cause anxiety and uncertainty, especially for new RVers or when traveling to an area with unknown terrain.

But there’s nothing to worry about when you know what you’re working with. Most RV and tow vehicle suspension systems have similar critical components at a base level and are not too difficult to understand.

What is Vehicle Suspension?

Photo by Samantha Baderschneider

In a nutshell, suspension systems are the “knees” of the vehicle, RV, or trailer frame. They flex, distribute energy, and reduce stress on your RV’s frame. That frame is your RV’s foundation, so reducing the strain, chucking, or jerking on that frame creates a smoother ride and extends the life of your vehicle. 

Suspension impacts your driving experience in two main ways: ride and handling. Ride is your truck’s ability to make bumpy roads feel smoother. Handling is your vehicle’s ability to accelerate, brake, and corner. 

When your tires pass over a bump in the road, the wheel accelerates vertically. Without proper vehicle suspension, your tires would briefly lose contact with the road before gravity does its job and come slamming back down to Earth. 

If lightweight comfort and quality construction are what you crave, the Gulf Stream travel trailers available today are some of the best on the market. You’ll love how these RVs feature luxurious amenities in compact designs that will make it easy for you to get the most out of your vacations. Learn about six of our favorite designs below.

Find more luxury travel trailers for sale near you.

2022 Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 189DD

The kitchen comes equipped with everything you need to make delicious meals for you and your partner. This couple’s coach features a queen bed and a rear bathroom with a shower/tub combo so that you can get cleaned up before turning in for a great night’s sleep. Another fantastic feature in this Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 189DD travel trailer is the large power awning that gives your campsite the perfect amount of shade..

Additional Features:

Queen-Size Bed6-Cu. Ft. Double-Door RefrigeratorRear BathroomPass-Through StoragePower AwningTV AntennaWake up feeling rested and ready for the day after sleeping in this bed.

2022 Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 199DD

If you’re looking for something that makes traveling with the kids a little easier, the Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 199DD travel trailer may be the perfect fit. This travel trailer sleeps up to five and features a set of bunk beds for the kids. Additionally, the bathroom features a shower/tub combo so that you can soak after a long road trip.

Additional Features:

The Midwest is a region of the United States of America known as “America’s Heartland”. We can certainly say that traveling to the Midwest with our dogs, Brickle and Digby, touched our hearts!

Friendly people, good food, and simple living are what we will remember about our time in the Midwest. Wide, open spaces, room to roam, and a relaxed way of life made our dogs feel at home and relaxed. We found the Midwest to be very accommodating to dogs and their people.  

Although the Midwestern region of the United States is mostly flat, it does contain other landforms that vary in elevation. You’ll find rolling hills, rising mountains, plains, plateaus, and large lakes. Along with natural beauty, you will also find quite a few history lessons waiting for you and your dog as well! 

It’s time to visit some dog-friendly RV destinations in the Midwest! Remember, these destinations are only a start to the paws-ibilities of exploring this inspiring part of the USA!

Lincoln State Park – Spencer County, Illinois

Image: 2 Traveling Dogs

Rich in history and the site of Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood home, Lincoln State Park has over 10 miles of hiking trails, rolling hills, and two lakes. Dogs are welcome to explore this state park with you. You can see the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, a pioneer farm, the Lincoln cabin site, the gravesite of Abraham Lincoln’s mother, and the historic Trail of Twelve Stones. Want to stay all day? You can camp in this state park! It is great for an overnight spot. 

Why should toy haulers have all the fun? Known for having maximum space for your outdoor accessories like ATVs, toy haulers are the go-to RV when you need storage space. But they’re not alone.

Cargo RVs are becoming increasingly popular among RV enthusiasts who crave additional storage space without sacrificing living space. Suitable for the weekend warrior as well as the full-time RVer, a Cargo RV is arguably one of the best RVs to travel in.

Not sure which one to explore? No worries! We’ve rounded up a few awesome Cargo RVs that aren’t toy haulers, but still manage to pack in plenty of fun.

What is a Cargo RV?

Image: Camping World

Before jumping into our round-up of awesome Cargo RVs, you might be wondering what exactly a Cargo RV is. While the definition varies from model to model, the one thing that remains the same is storage capacity. If you’re into it, chances are you can make it fit — think kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, dirt bikes, and more.

With a Cargo RV, you’re able to store bigger items and more gear than you normally can in a Class B or small camper. Much like the toy hauler, the use of space is only limited by how much you plan on bringing with you. The more the merrier? In a Cargo RV, that sentiment rings true.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the greatest mountain ranges in the country. They are a part of the Appalachian Mountains and stretch from Georgia to Pennsylvania. The range is home to some of the most beautiful sights you’ll see east of the Mississippi River, and because of this they’re a commonplace for RVers, campers, and other adventurers to visit

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best ways to see this area. The scenic ribbon of road winds its way along the nearly 470 miles that the mountain range covers. It’s a fun and beautiful drive, and one that every American should make time for at least once in their life. The road is often called America’s favorite drive and for good reason. It’s one of those must-do road trips for any RVer and it rivals anything you’ll see on the coasts or in the Western United States.

Image from Getty

Taking an RV along the Blue Ridge Mountains is easy and totally worthwhile. While you can certainly do the route in your car if you’re tent camping or staying in hotels, ask anyone who has traveled along the route before, and they’ll tell you it’s the perfect time to explore RV travel. I took this route a few years back and saw several RVs. And, I have to note, that there are tons of Blue Ridge parkway campgrounds or Blue Ridge Mountain campgrounds that will accommodate RVs.

Blue Ridge Parkway Campgrounds

Here are five great choices for camping on the Blue Ridge Parkway when you need a place to stop:

1. Mount Pisgah Campground

Camping in the mountains, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, is full of adventure. Image: Camping World

Mount Pisgah Campground, located in Canton, North Carolina, is one of the most common stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It offers 70 RV sites with showers, bathrooms, and laundry facilities. That’s plenty of campsites, but with the campgrounds ideal placement in Flat Laurel Gap, it is quite popular, and you should think about making a reservation before you go.

During summer, America’s northern regions enjoy extended days and short nights. Pack in all the fun you can have during the long daylight hours in the following places.

Alaska

See our Regional Travel Calendar for more year-round destinations.

The Frontier State parties during June. Locals and visitors alike fill the streets in the cities to celebrate Summer Solstice, while tourists embark on trails and waterways to see the state’s magnificent wilderness. Before embarking on Alaska, make plans for the long drive north.

See Wildlife and Get Glacial in Anchorage and Nearby

Alaska’s biggest city is a great base camp for adventures in the nearby wilderness. Southeast of the city on the Seward Highway, the Alaska Wildlife and Conservation Center delights visitors with a hearty population of indigenous wildlife. Take a Walk on the Wildlife Tour and get close-up looks at black and brown bears, moose, lynx reindeer and more.

When it comes to RVing, the most exhilarating part isn’t necessarily the open road or the dream destinations – it’s the buying phase. Finding the right RV is part of the fun, so it makes sense to take your time searching for an RV that checks every box. What new buyers don’t always consider in their checklist is an RV that will hold its value.

There may come a time when you outgrow your RV and you’re ready to upgrade. Or, your camping adventures become less frequent, and it makes sense to rent an RV instead of own. For these reasons, it’s important to choose an RV that holds resale value. Other factors can help an RV retain, and even gain, value like personal upgrades you make, how well you maintain it, and the current market demand.

Every RV enthusiast will tell you about the rush of adrenaline that comes with collecting miles under your tires, but what often gets overlooked is where one journey ends and the next begins. Look ahead and prepare yourself for that fork in the road by investing in one of the best RVs that hold their resale value.

Forest River Forester Classic 2441DS

Resale Power Potential:

Holds 80% of its value after three years.

Have you considered hitting the road in a motorhome or travel trailer, but you’re just too intimidated by going it alone? There are thousands of “solo travelers” that have thrown their reservations aside and jumped into RVing with both feet and we want you to become one! That’s why Camping World has put together a series of articles to encourage those who want to travel but haven’t quite figured out how to do it alone.

Today we’ll deal with fears surrounding the black tank. Join us and Learn How to Handle the Dirty Work, so that your dream of solo travel doesn’t get flushed down the toilet.

You Don’t Have to Get Dirty

I think we all can admit that dealing with the toilet and dumping the black tank on our RVs is something we wish to avoid at all costs. I mean, no one signs up for RVing with the goal of being a great sewer technician. However, because we are solo travelers there is no one else to hand off this less-than-appealing task to.

With that said, I can tell you that it doesn’t have to be a dirty chore. With a few pieces of select equipment, you can conquer The Dump Blues in a matter of minutes without ever getting your hands soiled.

The Necessary Equipment

You don’t need much, but here’s a look at what you do need to get this job done:

Feel the heat for memorial day barbecue flavor.

Campground chefs, start your grills! Memorial Day weekend signals the official start of barbecue season, and we want you to wield the tongs and spatula like a pro during your travels. That’s why we’ve canvased our team of experienced camping bloggers for tried-and-true campground recipes. The results bring new flavors to those lazy summer campground gatherings. Bon appetit!

The Blue Hawaiian Burger

The Blue Hawaiian Burger combines distinctive flavors for the discerning campground palette. The sweet and tangy fruit of the fresh pineapple blends brilliantly with the smoky creaminess of the blue cheese to enhance the burger experience. The hint of mixed spices and a touch of brown sugar unite the combination of flavors for an easy-to-prepare gourmet delight.

Travel with confidence and comfort when you take home one of the fantastic diesel motorhomes on sale today! Below, we’ll show you four of our favorite options for families and couples that love to travel and need the towing capacity to bring along an extra vehicle. Get an insider’s look at that diesel motorhomes below.

Find more deals on motorhomes for sale near you at RVingPlanet.com.

American Coach American Dream 39RK

Get the best in luxury RV features when you take home an American Coach American Dream 39RK class A diesel motorhome. This unit features a private bedroom with a walk-through bathroom that offers plenty of space for you to get ready for the day. The kitchen comes fully equipped with everything you need to make delicious five-star meals for your family and friends. Save over $136,000 on this RV when you order today!

Additional Features:

Rear Private BedroomSeparated BathroomKitchen IslandMotion Power LoungeWasher and DryerThe kitchen island is ideal for cooking for your crew.

Entegra Coach Aspire 44Z

If you enjoy spending your time at the campground out in the beautiful weather, you’ll love that his Entegra Coach Aspire 44Z class A diesel motorhome features an outdoor entertainment center with a 43″ 4K UHD Smart TV. Enjoy other features like a fireplace, residential kitchen features, and dual vanity sinks in the master bathroom! Take along all your must-have camping gear with the slide-out basement storage tray and ensures you can easily get to all your things.

Additional Features:

The forums at RV.net reveal a common fifth wheel hitch mistake that often happens to new (or even experienced) fifth wheel owners. This mistake has to do with using a fifth wheel hitch improperly, but the good news is that it can be avoided fairly easily.

The All-Too-Common Fifth Wheel Hitch Mistake

Photo by Camping World

Imagine you’ve driven several hundred miles to your destination. You’ve been in your truck for hours, and you finally arrive at your campground. You’ve positioned your fifth wheel on the campsite after a couple of attempts and some slight adjustments. Everything is perfect.

You add wheel chocks to hold your fifth wheel in place, lower your landing legs, disconnect from your fifth wheel trailer hitch, and extend your slides. You set up your camping chairs around the fire pit and start prepping dinner. That’s when you realize you’re out of cooking oil and need to make a store run. Or maybe you just need drinks or sides to go with dinner. 

You double-check that the cables are disconnected between your truck and fifth wheel…all good there. So you hop in your truck, shift into drive, start to pull away, and then CRACK! What mistake did you make?

The answer: you forgot to lower the tailgate! As a result, your fifth wheel pin box dented your tailgate. 

We all know finesse generally means doing something delicately or in a refined way, but what’s finesse fishing? If you’ve ever read any article I’ve written, you’ll know I preach finesse angling a lot compared to various other techniques. That’s because I grew up fishing the muck and mud of various small ponds throughout Pennsylvania.

During my time growing up, I learned a lot about working lightweight lures, with active presentations and bright and vibrant colors.

That’s just a taste of what finesse fishing is and in this guide, I’m going to break down all the details of finesse fishing so you can start working it in when needed.

What is Finesse Fishing?

The big misconception about finesse fishing is that it means light and small everything, but that’s not necessarily true. If we think about the word as a verb, it’ll help us better understand what finesse actually means.

If we “finesse” a fish, what does that mean?

Major League Baseball season is in full swing. You can put a new spin on your experience by adding an RV to your roster of fan essentials. An RV is a great way to tour North America’s iconic major league parks, from venerable Fenway Park in Boston to San Francisco’s modern Oracle Park. Many parks accommodate your RV for baseball tailgating, allowing visitors can roast hot dogs and hoist brews before the first pitch.

Before your MLB tour, observe stadium rules. Between games, stay at a nearby Good Sam Park and relax and recount the best moments of the game.

Oracle Park, San Francisco, California

Sitting in China Basin and home of the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park has received accolades for its neoclassical architecture and wide range of amenities. Sometimes referred to as the RingCentral Coliseum, the Oakland Coliseum is home for the Oakland A’s but also hosts concerts and conventions during the off-season. Watch home-run balls splash in McCovey Cove, the section of the bay beyond the right-field wall.

Tailgating: Lot A is located just south of the ballpark, along 3rd Street and Terry A. Francois streets. Cost: $40 ($80 for oversized vehicles). It opens three hours before the first pitch and closes one hour after the last out.

It’s no secret that summer is the most popular time of year to go camping. The long days, warm nights, and generally great weather make it the ideal season for travel and spending time outdoors. But when the mercury starts to climb—and the temperature moves from warm to scorching hot—camping in the heat can become an uncomfortable experience.

Fortunately, it isn’t hard to make a few adjustments and learn how to stay cool camping. Here are some tips for staying comfortable that don’t involve huddling inside the RV with the air conditioning blasting.

Stay Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated, especially when in the heat for long periods of time.

One of the most important ways to stay cool and safe in the summer heat is to drink plenty of fluids. When your body starts to overheat, it begins to sweat in an effort to cool itself down. But if you’re not adequately hydrated, you may not be able to create the perspiration you need to maintain a safe temperature. This can lead to dangerous conditions like dehydration or heatstroke.

Drink plenty of water while active in the outdoors and enjoy other cool drinks while relaxing at the campsite. However, be careful not to indulge in too much alcohol when outside in hot conditions. Alcoholic beverages can actually cause dehydration, so save those for later in the day when temperatures are cooler.

Have a go-to insulated cup, mug, or thermos and keep it filled with fresh drinking water.

Portable generators are a great addition to certain camping setups. They give you a safe power supply when you’re not camping with full hookups and can extend your boondocking trips. They can also be great for backup power at home during power outages. But you should know how to hook up a portable generator to use this RV accessory safely. 

Disclaimer: Read all operating instructions and safety precautions for your generator BEFORE starting it and plugging in your RV. Generators are different, so additional steps may be required for your specific model. 

How To Choose The Right Portable Generator

It all starts with choosing a generator model that can supply enough power for your RV. RVs have different electrical demands, which means there isn’t a one-size-fits-all option. 

Please watch the video above to learn more about choosing a generator for your RV. But at the basic level, here are the minimum recommendations for generator size based on RV electrical systems: 

When you first lay eyes on Lake Tahoe, it’s almost hard to believe it isn’t a protected national park. But for the millions of visitors that flock here each year, that means unprecedented public access to some of the clearest water in the world. 

There’s no shortage of fun in the Tahoe Basin, from motorized or human-powered boating to exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains on foot or bike. To help you set up your RV as an adventure sports basecamp in Tahoe, here’s everything you need to know about Lake Tahoe camping. 

How To Get To and Around Lake Tahoe

Photo by Vineyard Perspective via Shutterstock

A common remark that I hear from visitors is, “I didn’t realize it was so spread out.” Indeed, the lake is approximately 22 miles long, 12 miles across, and 72 miles in circumference. Because of the windy mountain roads, RVers will need to travel slowly and carefully when visiting Lake Tahoe. 

Be aware that it usually takes about two hours to drive around the entire lake–if you don’t run into any summer traffic. There are multiple ways to get to different parts of the lake. So here’s a quick rundown: 

From The East

Photo by instacruising via Shutterstock

If traveling in from the east, the two main cities before Lake Tahoe are Reno and Carson City. From Reno, you can take Interstate 80 to the town of Truckee. From there, you’ll have the option of taking Highway 89 to Tahoe City or Highway 267 to Kings Beach. 

If you are looking for an RV to take you and your family around the country or just to your local campground, you’ll find an incredible deal on your favorite brands when you shop used RVs! Check out these five amazing pre-owned RVs on sale today at fantastic prices you won’t want to miss. Learn more below.

Take home a fifth wheel for your family at a low price today!

2022 Alliance Paradigm 365RD

Save on this luxury fifth wheel when you snatch up this incredible used 2022 Alliance Paradigm 354RD today! This unit is in fantastic condition and features two separate living areas so that you can easily entertain friends and family. You’ll love that the basement pull-out storage tray gives you ample space for your outdoor gear and camping equipment.

Additional Features:

Separate Living RoomTwo Sleeper SofasBasement Pull-Out TrayPull-Out Fireplace StorageFloating Dinette TableKing Bed SlideThe residential French-door refrigerator is perfect for keeping snacks and drinks in easy reach.

2018 Forest River Salem Villa Series 4092BFL

Set up your home away from home for an unbeatable price when you take home this used 2018 Forest River Salem Villa Series 4092BFL destination trailer. This floorplan features a loft with sleeping space for the kids and private master bedroom. The living room offers plenty of seating space, and you’ll love the kitchen island with a dual basin sink.

Additional Features: